TAMPA, Fla. — In November, Hillsborough County voters will be deciding on a half-penny sales tax to support public schools.
School Superintendent Jeff Eakins is holding a series of town hall meetings to explain what the money would be used for.
- Funds earmarked for air conditioning, building renovations, maintenance
- Some parents questioned district's priorities
- List of school-by-school projects to be posted online this week
Eakins said the district has been working to reduce costs.
"We've created energy efficiency, spending reductions, we've done transportation efficiencies, we've renegotiated dozens and dozens of contracts across Hillsborough County," he explained.
Eakins added that has helped, but when it comes to the capital budget, funds are still lacking. That is what the half-cent sales tax would go towards.
It would be earmarked specifically for air conditioning, building and renovations, maintenance, security and technology.
It's estimated the tax would bring in $131 million a year for 10 years and would cost the typical family about $63 a year, based on the median household income of $51,681.
"So far I like what I've heard," said Sharon Ayers, a mother who was in the audience. "Realizing that all the money isn't going to come from just families, also. It's going to come from tourism as well."
Others questioned Eakins about priorities.
"I want to see that first and foremost the money is spent on schools like Robinson and Plant that have serious issues that need to be addressed before we build another school somewhere else," said Tom Dusold, another parent in the audience.
Eakins stressed if the tax passes every school in the district will see some improvements.
He said a list of school-by-school projects should be posted on the district's web site this week.
Eakins told the audience the district is facing dozens of aging schools that need overhauls, along with a booming student population and a need for more schools.
He said if the referendum passes, a Citizen Oversight Committee would be forced to review all projects funded by the referendum.